Johannesburg is a diverse metropolis with historic sites and fascinating cultural attractions. While it has a chequered past, Johannesburg is headed for a bright future of urban renewal. Much of the city is safe for visitors but you still need to exercise caution.
Start out in the business district. Here, you will find Africa’s tallest building, the Carlton Centre. Climb up to the Top of Africa observation deck on the roof for spectacular views of the city. Have a meal at the restaurant while you look out over Johannesburg’s picturesque cityscape.
For a stark contrast, visit the low-income neighbourhood of Soweto. Consisting of shacks and narrow dirt roads, Soweto is a testament to Johannesburg’s economic inequality. Still, it is worth visiting due to its historical attractions and bustling tempo. Check out some of the neighbourhood’s significant locations like the Regina Mundi Church and the Hector Pieterson Memorial. Head to Vilakazi Street to find the house where Nelson Mandela lived for nearly 50 years. Guided tours of the neighbourhood are available. Since Soweto can be unsafe, it is best to travel in a group.
Tour Johannesburg’s wealthy northern suburbs. Shop at boutiques and enjoy a meal at one of the area’s high-end restaurants. Visit the neighbourhoods of Parktown and Newtown, which feature historic buildings and a pleasant shopping area dotted with cafés.
Johannesburg has a troubled racial history, which you can learn about at one of the city’s several museums. The Apartheid Museum provides an in-depth account of South Africa’s institutionalised racism and the prison museums on Constitution Hill give more details on apartheid’s effects. Visit the Johannesburg Art Gallery (JAG) to see a wide collection of South African and international art.
Reach Johannesburg by flying into O.R. Tambo International Airport, a 30-minute drive from the city centre. From Johannesburg, take a drive out to the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden or the Suikerbosrand Natural Reserve. Let go of any preconceptions and enjoy this city of contrasts.
